World's first 'invisible' tower planned in South Korea

If all goes as planned, Seoul, South Korea will soon get the world's first "invisible" high rise.

Called Tower Infinity, the 1,476-foot structure planned just outside the city, near Incheon International Airport, will feature a cloaking façade made of LED projectors and optical cameras that will capture and display the landscape surrounding the building, thus making it appear transparent.

The building's architect, GDS Architects, describes its design scheme as an "anti-tower" that "subtly demonstrates Korea's rising position in the world by establishing its most powerful presence through diminishing its presence."

The building's joint owner/developer, Korea Land Corp. and Cheongna Organization, will also have the ability to display advertising and graphics on the façade.

The report, “Spending Through the Roof,” says that apartment building owners pay an average of $3,400 a year to replace heat lost through the roof. In taller buildings, the cost can be more than $20,000 a year. Illustration: Urban Green Council